Starting New Community with Plants: Where to shop?

[tommyatlas7]

Im new to the hobby, yet, quickly learning that research is the key to developing a successful community... I recently purchased a 55 gallon tank with sand substrate and currently looking to discover the following:

-a good combination of active freshwater fish/plants, and
-a trusted online site to purchase them

Also, if anyone has miscellaneous tips in reference to a freshwater aquarium Fish w/ Plants, please feel free. As I stated before, my tank is currently empty, and I'm looking to start on the right foot. Thanks in advance!!

 

[tommyatlas7]

btw, I am aware of the cycling phase, so please disregard unless any particular plants require a specific cycle.

 

[librarygirl]

What light do you have on the tank? Are you aiming for low-maintenance (low-light, no fertilization or Co2) or high maintenance (high light, Co2, ferts)? Your lighting will pretty much dictate what plants you can have. There are good number of low-light plants that should do well with most stock lights that tanks come with: anubias, java fern, most mosses, Vallinseria, swords and crypts are a few. Some of those would benefit from root tabs in the sand (especially the crypts and swords) but they are pretty low maintenance otherwise.

 

[tommyatlas7]

@ librarygirl: T5 daylight bulbs. I'm not certain wheter low or high maintanence plants; I'll take a look at some of the ones you mentioned but I'm sure I'll find much more of a variety online oppose to the LFS, so thanks for the forum...